A blog that hopes to inspire others to follow their own dreams, passions, and wishes. To evoke adventure, art, and love. Words to encourage, and bring joy. Always dare to be different, to follow your own path, and believe that everything will be alright.
Monday, December 24, 2012
Merry Christmas My Dears!
SO much catching up to do! The past semester was very difficult. I hardly slept or ate. I barely survived my first semester. BUT, I did. I hope the next year goes as fast as the past 4 months because it is very difficult being away from everyone I love. I also, have met some lovely new friends. They kept me on track when I felt like I was about to lose my mind.
I hope everyone is enjoying time with family, friends, and significant others during this Christmas Eve. I feel so incredibly blessed and happy. Life has given me everything I ever hoped for (and more).
Maybe Christmas, the Grinch thought, doesn't come from a store.
My loves, I must admit that I have been distant. The first semester of grad school was comparable to being at war. It was anything but glamorous. I know what you must be thinking that war and grad school are nothing alike. I assure you that they are. I was told during my first week of school that the experience was comparable to being at combat, and until you are in the midst of the battlefield, (a.k.a knees deep in assignments and caffeine hooked to your veins) then you cant quite make the connection. There will be more on the so called 'school' experience in the near future, but I think we should start from the beginning. I think I owe it to you, my faithful audience, a painted picture with my words.
August 23, 2012 The drive to my new adventure was long. It gave me a solid 23 hours with nothing but my thoughts and coffee house satellite radio. The only stops that we made along the northern USA did not make me validate my decision to start school in a new country. My captain and I stopped at a rest station which looked beautiful, however I am 95% sure it was being ran by zombies. No joke, there were people with wondering eyes, and circling the parking lots (legit walking in circles in the parking lot). I remained strong, and we went onward with our journey.
After two long days of driving we arrived at the Buffalo border. Gertrude (our faithful GPS-who can sometimes be a bitch) directed us to drive down 'Por--ter Avenue' in her annoying robot british voice. The thing that is interesting with Buffalo is that one minute you can be in a rich neighbourhood, and then within a block and you question if you are a part of slumdog millionaire sequel. Anyways, we were driving down Porter (the Captain and I), when suddenly we could tell we were not in Kansas anymore. Stereotypes were everywhere--and I was scared. I recall making a comment to the Captain about the nicely decorated stop sign. There were candles and flowers everywhere!! The captain said I was never to drive this route again and apparently someone had been shot.
Plans that I had created long before the arrival of the warm summer months had eroded long before spring had a chance to bloom. People, possibilities, and ideas that I believed in had been left in the seasons that had gone previous. He left nothing more than a defiant memory of clouded thoughts, and a sore spot that would eventually heal.
Though the newly formed buds had some frost on their petals it was visible that some very special flowers were about to bloom. Once it was decided that I would return to school, some wonderful friends came to my aide and reminded me of the old, but true melody sung by the Beatles "I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends'. My ladies definitely gave more than a little help. They encouraged the wine and treats. They reminded me of the love I deserved. They cooked me unreal dishes, and watched numerous old heroines, which ultimately satisfied the old soul. They gave me excuses to find fountains in the park, to have picnics under ancient trees, but most importantly to laugh until it hurts.
My friends gave me the best season of my life, and filled my heart with love. This would not have been possible if my plans had returned in the spring as expected. It was indescribably, and unpredictably wonderful.
It was a spring of exploration both in triumph and in tears. There were whispers shared in the night with strangers that left before the frost had time to melt. Like a spring rain storm it had moments that began with a drizzle, and ended in a thunderous storm. No matter how treacherous the storm the beautiful rainbows always came to the aide and were a continuous reminder of life's balance and beauty.
While out galavanting the town minutes before midnight there stood a young gentleman whom the Mademoiselle had forgotten. In a moment where frost covered her heart with loaded words, and disappointing expectations that's when summer arrived and covered her heart with warmth, sunshine and most importantly hope.
It started innocent enough. The occasional hand hold was shared to remind each other that they were not alone. They shared their love of cooking, books, and story telling. They found adventures and parties to attend. They walked along a candlelit path to the melody of their voices where they shared a kiss. The kiss remained sacred and unexplored for long after it was shared. With each sunset that passed through the summer sky they continued to share more memories.
Then, one day it felt like a spark hitting birch bark creating a mid summers' night fire. Once the spark hit the bark it was impossible to deny the instant connection that was felt by two hearts. A rare connection that few are lucky enough to ever feel.
But the Mademoiselle realized that the summer would end, and perhaps so would the mid summer fire. She struggled to enjoy every moment of summer when remembering it would soon be over. She would be leaving in fall to start a new adventure of her own, thereby leaving the gentleman behind.
Each night of summer was getting cooler, which meant time was running out. Autumn was around the corner, and was more evident with each passing morning. Even though the brisk weather was felt in their hearts, it remained unspoken as the afternoons still had much warmth left. Finally, days before the first frost the inevitable had to be discussed. What would happen once fall arrived? Would there be a winter? These were the questions that had burned the Mademoiselle in the past due to unruly storms, and plans that were forgotten with the seasons.
The young gentleman was thrilled at the thought of encouraging the Mademoiselle to fulfill her dreams, and he would wait patiently for her to return to him. Just like the spring that waits each year for the winter to pass, so would he. He would wait with anticipation for warmer days to arrive, even though none before had succeeded.
He realized the path he choose was a difficult one, and therefore would remain true to his words so the Mademoiselle could finish what she started. He hoped it would lead to an indian summer once she was returned.
And so, as summer ends, autumn will live on. To past lovers it must be said that their season ended for new seasons to bloom. The Mademoiselle will miss her beautiful friends as she sets off on a new adventure, but like the morning of each day she knows that they will always be there when the night is dark. On dark nights when they feel that there is not a star in the sky, they must remember that she is their star and she will always be there no matter how lonesome the nights may seem. As for the gentleman, well, he will continue to wait, and anticipate her return. Even though winter is long and cold he knows that spring will return once again. Perhaps he will follow her and show her he is different than the rest, or perhaps it was a seasonal love affair where only enchanting memories will be remembered of a love once shared.
Once in a while you have to step out of your skin and be someone you don't even recognize. Get completely out of the comfort zone, and start growing. As someone who over-thinks basically every situation, and forgets to participate in her own life it can be said that just diving in can be dangerous. Don't think, just go with it.
We are going to make mistakes, and make a complete fool of ourselves. Trust me, I have done it. The great thing is when you look back and realize how much it taught you. In advance, my apologies go out to those who have played in my life lessons. Making mistakes is part of life, and if you hurt someone let them know you are genuinely sorry. Every person comes into your life to teach you something. Their purpose and role might be brief, but it has value to who you are about to become. For those who have played a role in my life, many thanks.
Life is messy, and you are going to get hurt. This doesn't mean you can stop loving, or stop life. You have to continue to get back up, and no matter how people treat you, always kill with kindness. How people treat you is their karma, but how you treat them is yours.
And loves, don't forget to forgive. Holding resentment inside only ends up hurting you. Let go, and love again.
April-Marie surprised me with the most wonderful day imaginable! Who knew turning 25 would be so glamourous. She knew I woke up from a rough night, and withheld all judgements upon arrival. Me, wearing my left over mascara and 'sweet thang' eye wear, staggered to the door to gratefully accept the large coffee. Gracias. I managed to get myself in decent order as we headed on for the day. A wonderful day at that.
We went to the salon and got our toes did. Penelope greeted us to give us a pedicure. Little did we know we were up for some belly aching laughs. This girl should be a part time therapist. She asked any question she thought up and gave a blunt answer. We both learned a few things from our elder. This girl knew her stuff. Cops? Well anyone in uniform should be questioned. That includes Doctors, Firefighters, Paramedics you name it, you question it. People in uniform are generally up to no good. That piece of uniform goes right to their head. We talked about love, and lack there of. We talked about lust and men with big egos. It was decided that in the end you need a lot in common for love to ever have a chance at being everlasting. We walked away with our beautiful feet, both of course pretty in pink, paying our thanks to our wonderful toe specialist.
By this point our little bellies were bagging for some attention. We couldn't decide between thai, sushi or regular diner food. We stopped in at a local joint and grabbed some Rosemary Portebello Mushroom sandwich, tomato asperagus soup and a glass of Merlot. Delicious. We squared the bill, and could not wait the rest of our days adventures.
Once we arrived home we slipped into something more appropriate for this hot summer weather. Wearing our bathing suits we stepped outside to get our bronze on. Practicing our safe suntanning, (you don't want to be a wrinkled prune later in life girls) we listened to the Regina Spektor, and let her music speak to our soul. It was time to head inside and prepare for the evening.
Yours,
N
To be continued...
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Hello my lovelies,
Today is my first official day of summer vacation! I am experience nostalgia of childhood. Remember those days? Waking up to the sun shining, cartoons singing, and a bowl of your favourite cereal. Yes, those were the days. The days were filled with no worries or cares only thinking about which friend would come over and play pretend.
I have interviewed hundreds of kids over the course of the past year. I asked them what is their favourite game? Their response both confuses, and saddens me. The common consensus was video games, and television.Todays youth know nothing of the simple pleasures of my past, that have gave me such majestic experiences. What will become of their outlook on life, and their lack of imagination?
I never grew up, and my imagination is still wildly fascinating.
As a "grown-up" in a fast paced world with less time for the simple pleasures I begin observing those around me. I wonder what sort of simple joys do people find stimulating. Much of society finds drinking, and drugs their outlet for fun. On the other hand, the minority can find joys in the simplest of places. The simplicity and fulfillment of a cup of tea on a rainy day, a great book, a fantastic yoga session, picking flowers in a field, catching up with an old friend, or looking at the clouds and imagining the shapes that are forming.
Never forget to enjoy the simple pleasures, because my loves they indeed are the pleasures that speak directly to our heart.
I have accepted my offer of admissions into Buffalo State College, NY taking my masters in Speech Language Pathology. Who would have thunk it. This little chi-ca moving to the big city, from a small Northern town. Not I. I look forward to the challenges, friendships, and of course adventure that comes with this decision. All big changes cause may feelings of and emotions. There has been some loss on my journey from following a dream that I have spent many years working towards. I lost a part of my heart, but time heals all wounds. I will persevere, and love again.
I plan to use this blog as my personal way to update those dear to me. I hope to inspire some to follow their own dreams and create their own adventures. Consider this the start to many wonderful words that have been written by moi. I want to paint a picture with my words of the next chapter of my life, where I hope to share bits and pieces of my adventure with those I hold dear to my heart.
"To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t
need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself."-Unknown
